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'12 Years a Slave' Star Chiwetel Ejiofor Might Be Up for 'Star Wars'

News that Chiwetel Ejiofor, currently enjoying praise across the board for his lead performance in 12 Years a Slave, was spotted at Bad Robot turned into speculation that the actor might be meeting for a role in Star Wars: Episode VII. After all, it's the only film they're concentrating on right now, and Michael B. Jordan has auditioned for a role, so Ejiofor could easily be meeting about the same one. Of course, this just seemed like a report just trying to land a scoop, but whilst attending a premiere event for 12 Years a Slave last night, the actor was asked about the possibility of being asked to join the sci-fi franchise. What'd he say?

Despite how the question was framed, it seems like Ejiofor (whose nickname is "Chewie") slipped up by taking a pause and answering, "Well, we'll see if it happens. I'm not gonna tell you." That phrasing seems to imply that Ejiofor was definitely meeting with Abrams about Star Wars,but he's just not sure if an offer will come from it. Their meeting isn't surprising, mostly because everyone in Hollywood has been auditioning for a role in the sequel, and Ejiofor has done sci-fi before with Serenity in the past. But it does show that Abrams is going after some heavy-hitting actors, and hopefully they won't dumb down their skills like Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman did in the prequels. Maybe we'll get some real casting soon. Thoughts?

Reader Feedback - 13 Comments

I'm just putting it out there.......would he be Lando's son. Would be great if so, great calibre of actor, plus Lando's boy wouldn't be a bit part.

Steven on Nov 4, 2013

2

Yes, because every black person in the Galaxy has to be related...

TheOct8pus on Nov 4, 2013

3

Um...no. There is however a good chance that new characters will have strong connections with the original cast so I would suggest removing that chip from your shoulder.

Steven on Nov 4, 2013

4

Yup. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Djimon Hounsou are, in fact, twins. You cannot tell them apart. Just like Dermont Mulroney and Dylan McDermott.This was proven fact on SNL. It real true. Google it.

Akirakorn on Nov 5, 2013

5

While I hope not, depending on the ages of the Solo/Skywalker kids that are rumored...
I wouldn't be too adverse if this was that case.
I doubt it though - I think he's too old to be Lando's kid, based on the ages of those being bandied about on call sheets.

VAharleywitch on Nov 6, 2013

6

It's always fun when you catch someone in a signature role in a 'cool little movie' that wasn't particularly "huge" or highly successful, and then they show up later and are getting plenty of big-time roles.
Basically, seeing The Operative from Serenity finally hit the 'big-time' is a very cool thing for me.